My New Year Hangover Watch List

New Year’s Eve falls on an auspicious day for those who are looking to obliterate 2016 from their collective memories. While there were some good times (Deadpool, Civil War, Rogue One, Luke Cage, Insecure, Stranger Things, Ween Reunited, the first Desert Trip Festival, Cubbies breaking the curse, etc.…), there were so many more bad times (so many celebrity deaths, the Election that wouldn’t end, terror attacks, psychotic weather, did I mention the celebrity deaths, etc.…). Most people I talked to have plans to start partying this evening and not stopping until the wee hours of 2017, leaving Sunday as a needed recovery day before going back to the grind first thing Monday morning. My plan sounds about the same. So, my friends and I (and maybe even you) will need some great movies to run all day to help with the recuperation.

Image Courtesy of Touchstone Pictures

Normally for me, December is filled with all sorts of holiday movies designed to keep my spirits up when organizing my family Christmas gathering becomes inevitably stressful as hell. This year, it seemed as if all the pressure and work spiraled out of control, making my happy holiday movie watching time non-existent. To help with the hangover of New Year’s Eve celebrations, my movie list theme is going to be hopefulness with a touch of Christmas (to make up for lost viewing time). Side Note: This list may have changed a bit due to recent losses.

Because it is too much of a hassle to get up and change disks out of the DVD player, I have narrowed this list down to streaming services only. Much easier when you plan on not leaving your couch to keep your head from exploding:

Wishful Drinking (Currently Streaming on HBO Go and HBO Now):

For some, this may be a bit too soon. But watching the amazing Carrie Fisher talk candidly about her life in Hollywood and growing up the daughter of two loved stars was wonderfully bittersweet (I watched this the day Debbie Reynolds passed away and am happy to watch again). It is important to remember Fisher was so much more than just a badass Princess and General, she was a true survivor.

The Blues Brothers (Streaming on HBO Go and HBO Now January 1st):

Image Courtesy of Universal Pictures

“It’s 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark… and we’re wearing sunglasses.” “Hit it.” Two brothers (Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi) are on a “mission from God” to get their band back together and play the biggest gig they can to save the orphanage they grew up in. It is not easy when the cops, a group of rowdy country singers, an American-Nazi party, and so many more are after them. Full of great music and classic comedy, these brothers are sure to entertain you enough to make you forget your hangover.

Penelope (Currently Streaming on Netflix):

This modern-day, fairy tale-esque movie follows the only daughter of a famous couple, Penelope (Christina Ricci), who was born with a minor flaw thanks to a curse placed upon the family. To break the curse, Penelope must find someone of her “own kind” to love her as she is. Heartwarming, funny, and surprisingly girl powered (you know, for a rom-com).

The Ref (Currently Streaming on Netflix):

Image Courtesy of Touchstone Pictures

Denis Leary is a burglar who is abandoned in an upscale neighborhood by his partner after a job goes bad. Needing a way to avoid the cops and make a plan, he takes a couple (Kevin Spacey, Judy Davis) on the verge of a divorce as his hostages and holes himself up at their house. The situation goes from bad to worse when the rest of the family show up for Christmas. One of my favorite Christmas movies. It helps to remind me that even though my family is crazy, they are the loveable kind of crazy and not these people.

*batteries not included (Currently Streaming on Netflix):

Image Courtesy of Universal Pictures

When the tenants of an apartment building are being bullied out of their homes by an evil developer, a mysterious alien life form appears and helps the tenants battle the bullies. I’m a sucker for the movies where the little guys can make a stand against the big bad corporations. It makes me believe that this could happen in real life, even though statistically, the rich companies always win.

Footloose (1984) (Currently Streaming on Netflix and coming to Hulu January 1st):

Much like the previous movie, it is all about standing up to those in power when something is not right. The teenagers of Bomont, led by the new kid Ren (Kevin Bacon), rally to overturn the rule of no dancing in the city limits and have their first school dance. They have to face the town council, but also the town reverend (John Lithgow). Those 80’s hair styles, fashion, and dance moves are enough of a reason why this is a must watch when a pick-me-up is needed. Just don’t cut too loose and hurt yourself. That hangover is not forgiving if you go too footloose.

Lethal Weapon (1987) (Streaming on Hulu January 1st):

Yes, just like Die Hard, this is a Christmas movie! And nothing helps that hangover than watching the beginning of a great bromance as they kick ass and take names.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (Currently Streaming on Hulu):

Image Courtesy of Buena Vista Pictures

This is a double whammy for me. I didn’t get to watch this classic at Halloween or Christmas time! How I survived this year without watching Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon speaking, Danny Elfman singing) hijack Christmas time after he becomes bored with Halloween is beyond me. Amazing songs like “This is Halloween” “What’s This?” and “Kidnap the Sandy Claws” will have you sing away your hangover blues.

Superman: The Movie & Superman II (Currently Streaming on Hulu):

I liked the ideas Zack Snyder had for his update to the timeless superhero and admire him for taking a chance, but Man of Steel and Batman v Superman were such bummers. Let Batman be the moody and morally questionable one. Superman represents “Truth, Justice, and the American Way,” and I know so many people have found that boring in the past, but you can’t take the hope out of Superman. That is his essential make up. He does not need to be gritty and edgy to have an impact. Thankfully, Richard Donner and Richard Lester’s versions of the biggest boy scout keep his mission statement intact.

Do you have any favorite movies to watch when in recovery mode? Let me know in the comments section below.

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About Nerdling

The Nerdling has an unhealthy obsession with books, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Star Wars. She finds hockey to be the best sport in the world (Go Dallas Stars!) and is working on her first novel, but mostly glowers at a blank screen. You can find her on Twitter @nerdlingstale on Facebook @NerdlingTales or Instagram @nerdling_tales